THE ASCENDANT LPGA BENEFITING VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA

October 4, 2023

Lexi Thompson

Golf Clubs at The Tribute

Quick Quotes

Q. All right, here with Lexi Thompson. When did you first learn of the opportunity to compete at Shriners?

LEXI THOMPSON: So I just learned actually Sunday after my round at Walmart. Just kind of a little blindsided, but obviously very honored just to have the thought that they wanted me to be there.

It's just a very cool opportunity for me to of course play alongside the men. That's one thing. But to leave more of a message to the little girls and boys that no dream is too big. If you put your mind too it, you can accomplish anything.

It's just a very -- I'm very honored just to have this opportunity.

Q. Who was it that connected with you or was it a PGA TOUR rep or Shriners rep?

LEXI THOMPSON: Well, the tournament director went through my manager.

Q. Okay.

LEXI THOMPSON: So they've been talking, and then my manager called me Sunday and I was like, all right, well, let me soak in my last round that I played well. (Laughter.)

And then it was just even more excitement.

Q. What went into the decision to play? I know you've been on the road for a couple weeks. What went into that decision?

LEXI THOMPSON: There was a few things. Like I had something planned for next week -- next weekend. I had to change that. But this is kind of a once-in-a-career opportunity, so it was like, I have to do this.

And the fact that there is kids, I love kids, and that I'll be leaving more of an impact on the children out there, that's the bigger thing.

Golf is one thing. If I can leave the game and the world in a better spot and inspire others, that's what I want.

Q. How long has it maybe been a dream of yours to compete on the PGA TOUR? Has it ever been a dream of yours?

LEXI THOMPSON: I mean, growing up with two older brothers and around their friends I've always grown up playing alongside the guys I guess.

Can't say it's been like a dream of mine to play on the PGA TOUR. Of course I've wanted to. I learned so much playing alongside the guys and am very inspired by them, so it'll be a great opportunity for me.

Can't say I go day to day wanting to do it, but I'm very honored for this.

Q. Have you ever had any other offers to play? Is this the first one?

LEXI THOMPSON: This is the first one. This is the first one. I think honestly it's kind of meant to be. I think there is such a better story alongside than just the golf part of it, so I love that factor of it. I hopefully can interact with some of the kids and have a very special week.

Q. What are some of your goals or expectations for the week?

LEXI THOMPSON: Going into the week I'm just going to embrace it all. Like I said, leaving a bigger impact and interacting with those kids, that's my number one.

Of course I want to play good golf. I know my game and how I'm playing right now and how much work I've been putting in, so playing within myself and my game is all I can do. Not try to force anything on a longer golf course.

I've never played there, so will be my first time. Get a few practice rounds in and probably be hitting driver a lot, which is nice. (Laughter.)

Q. Yeah. It's been a good couple weeks for you. What have you maybe found in your game that's led to this good stretch of the season?

LEXI THOMPSON: I would say just latching on to a few things that I've been working extremely hard in my ball striking. I've been putting in so much work ball striking, putting, chipping, everything, and just to see the work has paid off, I think that's -- as athletes that's all we want to see.

So the last few weeks it's kind of all came together and I'm just building on it and continuing to work hard.

Q. What did both Solheim and Arkansas do for your confidence heading into obviously a week where you have to come in with a high level of confidence against the men?

LEXI THOMPSON: Sure. It's helped my confidence out a lot at Solheim, highest honor I could possibly have. Just to be able to go there and play well and probably play some of my best golf, make a lot of putts, there is no better feeling, especially I think that brings out the best golf in all the players there, Solheim Cup.

And then to play well last week, just building on it, that's all golf is, building off the good and finding those positives and really just try to strive for those little improvements.

Q. Obviously you're not the first player to do this, but did you watch any of the other players Annika, Brittany, Michelle, when they competed on the PGA TOUR?

LEXI THOMPSON: I probably watched a few highlights. Can't say I really tuned in to watch it.

I was inspired when they did it, going after what you want, leaving a bigger message out there that if you have a goal in mind, whether it's golf, anything in life, if you put your mind to it and have a positive attitude and work towards what you want, anything is possible.

Q. I know you have some friends on the PGA TOUR and I know you know Brittany well. Have you reached out to any PGA TOUR players or LPGA Tour players about next week, or just has it come at you so fast?

LEXI THOMPSON: Yeah, it's honestly happened within these two, three days, and it's been a whirlwind. Just trying to let it all soak in.

Haven't really reached out to many people. Trying to get some info on the golf course and see what I have in store for me, but that's about it.

I know I'll reach out to Danielle Kang because she lives there, get a little feedback on the golf course, but that's about it.

Q. Has anyone reached out to you saying congrats? I'm sure lots of people.

LEXI THOMPSON: A good amount of people, yeah. No golfers in particular, but a lot of girls out here have condition congratulated or DM'd me. So that's amazing feeling, just to feel their support as well.

Q. Last question: I know you played in QBE a couple times.

LEXI THOMPSON: Uh-huh.

Q. Which will now be Grant Thornton. How has that experience helped you get ready to play alongside the men again?

LEXI THOMPSON: Yeah, it's helped me out a lot. The QBE or Grant Thornton is a team event, so it's definitely a little bit different. I've grown up just playing with the guys, whether it's my brothers or their friends and they're older and hit it so far. I grew up around them, so I kind of know what to expect.

Any time I'm alongside them it's always -- I'm always learning, too. I'm so impressed. At the same time, I'm there to bring my A game, too, and just see where that goes.